DETROIT LIONS: A handful of winning suggestions

Five things the Detroit Lions (4-6) need to do to beat the Houston Texans (9-1) on Thanksgiving at Ford Field.

1. Shake off Sunday’s loss to the Packers.

2. Get the ball to Calvin Johnson who has 24 catches for 479 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the last three games.

3. The defense must keep the intensity up until the bitter end. On Sunday, the defense played well for 55 minutes and 35 seconds. Not quite enough.

4. With Jeff Backus doubtful, rookie Riley Reiff could start and, if so, is going to need some help on the left side. You know the Texans are going to exploit that rookie-ness.

5. With Titus Young out, Ryan Broyles and Mike Thomas will get more opportunities. It’d be a good idea to take advantage. Broyles, a rookie coming off ACL surgery, has been the target nine times in last three games and caught all nine passes for 93 yards.